The UK College of Medicine is pleased to announce that Chris Lakes, EdD, has been named associate dean for student affairs, with his first day set for April 8, 2024.
Dr. Lakes joins the UK College of Medicine from the nearby Berea College, where he has served as director of the Office of Student Success and Transition since 2020. Lakes has held several roles dedicated to promoting student success and first-year experiences at Berea College over the last two decades, first joining its staff in 2001.
“Dr. Lakes has a tremendous record of leadership in student affairs across many years and a variety of roles,” said Stephanie White, MD, senior associate dean for medical student education. “I appreciate his dedication to supporting the student experience and his enthusiasm for advancing the mission of the College of Medicine and the University of Kentucky.”
As associate dean, Dr. Lakes will oversee all aspects of student affairs, supporting learners from the time they begin medical school until graduation. Dr. Lakes will work closely with student affairs staff across our four campuses—Lexington, Morehead, Bowling Green, and Northern Kentucky— to support the continued personal and professional development of our medical students.
"Working for the University of Kentucky has always been a dream of mine, and I can't think of anywhere better to realize that dream than the College of Medicine,” Dr. Lakes said. “The students here are doing such important work, and it's an honor to join the team of faculty and staff who support them."
Lakes earned his doctorate in educational leadership from the University of Kentucky College of Education, as well as a master of science in college student personnel administration from the University of Tennessee and a bachelor of arts in music education from Berea College.
Please join us in welcoming Dr. Lakes to the UK College of Medicine. We look forward to all he will accomplish!